Out of an abundance of caution, organizers of the Lake Breeze at Sunset jazz music festival have moved the Saturday night show indoors to the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center.
The doors to the Mendel Center Jenkins Theatre (formerly the Mainstage) open at 5 pm and the show will start at 6:30 pm. Organizers say concertgoers can use the parking lot in front of the Mendel Center off Napier Avenue.
Festival organizer Bryan Joseph said they’ve been keeping a close eye on the weather data and it’s currently showing a strong potential for storms to build during the concert time frame.
“We are moving to LMC to ensure we can put on a quality production,” said Joseph.
Despite the change in venue, the show must go on and organizers say jazz flutist Althea Rene will lead off the show when the performance begins. Rene is a last-minute addition to the lineup after recording artist Cindy Bradley cancelled due to a medical emergency. In 2013, Rene released In the Flow with Grammy-winning producer Michael Broening. Its title track became the first flute-led single to reach #1 on the Billboard and Smooth Jazz charts.
“A very talented artist definitely on that level of a Cindy Bradley,” Joseph said. “Althea has not played here in St. Joe or Benton Harbor, Michigan ever. So this is her first time.”
Joseph says Rene will open the festival and play for about an hour, followed by saxophonist Tim Cunningham.
Cunningham’s rise through the jazz ranks started when he passed up an NFL contract to pursue a career in music. He has opened for jazz legends like Dave Koz and George Benson, while his R&B flair has paired him with icons like Earth Wind & Fire and Boyz II Men.
“It’s still going to be a phenomenal concert. A lot of excitement. Tickets are still selling. So we still encourage people to come, have a great time and enjoy great music!”
Beverage service will be available and ticket information can be found at the festival’s website.
